Special Education - Initial License

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This program is designed for individuals seeking an initial license in teacher of students with moderate disabilities PK-2, PK-8 or 5-12 and/or training in special education. It also serves those with bachelor’s or advanced degrees who want to gain a more comprehensive knowledge of special education in the school systems. Parents, administrators and community service workers have benefited from this program. This program qualifies students to apply for initial licensure from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Admission Requirements

Prerequisites

A bachelor’s degree with grades of merit from an accredited college or university, with a arts and sciences major, or a major appropriate to the teaching license sought (e.g., physical education, computer sciences, or technology).

A sample of academic writing, appropriate length is approximately two pages with citations.

You may use a paper, or excerpt of a paper, that you have already written or write something new for the admissions committee. Take a position and support that position with evidence and appropriate citations. If you write something new, it is suggested you explore an issue special education is facing today. Ideas include but are not limited to inclusion, response to intervention, new autism guidelines, eligibility determination, over-representation in special education, self-advocacy, role of parents in the program, etc.

An interview with a member of the admissions committee. You will be contacted to schedule your interview after your application is complete.

Program Requirements

Upon acceptance into the program, you will complete a tentative Plan of Study in consultation with the program coordinator. You must request that any transfer credits be considered at this time. Please note that no more than three courses taken at Salem State University before admission can be counted towards this program. You should meet regularly with the program coordinator to discuss your progress and revise your plan of study as needed.

Additional Information and Notes

*Candidates for initial licensure must take and pass all required sections of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure prior to entering the practicum.

Special Education Courses

Methods Subject Matter (6 credits)

Select one of the combinations below:

Practicum Courses

Total Credits: 12-40.5

^EDU860: A candidate who holds an SEI Endorsement may use the endorsement to satisfy this requirement.

Variable Credit

Variable credit programs are designed to address a student’s academic plan while adhering to the program requirements and standards of the profession. Based on their background (e.g., prior coursework, select endorsements), some students may be approved for the minimum number of credits of the program and other students may need additional coursework. Students will work with the Graduate Program Coordinator to determine the best fit of courses within the structure of the program and propose the Plan of Study to the School of Graduate Studies for review and approval. If a student has demonstrated that they have taken a course in a similar competency they do not need to retake the corresponding course at Salem State University.